Callum’s Wood Production and Manufacturing Apprenticeship helped him gain skills, confidence, and a long-term career.
Callum’s journey showcases how Apprenticeships can provide career progression and help business grow talent from within. Read on to find out more about Callum’s Apprenticeship journey.
Developing Skills and Confidence
Reflecting on his time as an apprentice, Callum says his greatest achievement was much his skills grew. He started out as a junior member of the team, since then he has taken on additional responsibilities and gained confidence in his role. The positive feedback he received from his employer has reinforced just how far he’s come.
Balancing work with College and life
Balancing work, study and a social life is important. Callum worked four days a week, with Fridays as his College day finishing at 1pm. This flexible structure meant he could still spend time with friends and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Callum initially found it challenging to connect the College-based learning with his role at work. However, over time, he began to understand how the knowledge gained at College supported his practical skills, helping him perform his job to the best of his ability.
Advice for New Apprentices
Callum’s advice to anyone considering an Apprenticeship is: “be yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself whilst you are learning.” He emphasises that support is always available and that learning takes time: “you’re not expected to know everything straight away.”
What’s Next?
Thanks to his hard work and commitment, Callum has been offered a permanent role with the company he trained with. He’s delighted to be staying on and sees a long-term future with the organisation, doing work he genuinely enjoys.
Apprenticeships give you the time and space to learn while working full time earning a wage. Explore our Apprenticeship options.
You can find out more by calling the friendly team on 01227 811315, or emailing at adultlearning@eastkent.ac.uk